Downloads

If you have trouble reconciling your checkbook, or simply making ends meet, Snowmint's Budget can probably help. At the very least, after setting up your accounts with Budget you'll be fully aware of how much you're taking in, how much you're spending, and where it's going. That in and of itself can be your clarion call to fiscal responsibility.

Budget uses a very visual approach with large icons for your bank accounts and envelope icons for your planned expenses. The basic idea is that you disburse your income into the envelopes in relation to known expenses, then pay your bills from the envelopes. It's much like your grandparents might've done with their cash, according to the company (and my grandparents). This is all theoretical, by the way--Budget doesn't actually connect to your accounts or manage your money.

Alas, while Budget is simple visually simple, it can be a tad confusing in spots--something you don't want if you have little experience handling your finances. I would especially like the company to replace the "Pay" and "Pay Source" phrases with something with only one possible connotation such as "Income" and "Source of Income." Budget can provide a nice visual wake-up call for people who have problems living within their means, but in this iteration, I can't see it replacing programs like Quicken or Microsoft Money. Download the trial and try it for yourself--the envelope metaphor may just strike your fancy.

Note: This demo version is limited to 20 days and 40 uses. To continue using it after that, you must buy a software license.

--Jon L. Jacobi